Sound Off: Steven Soderbergh's 'Contagion' - So What Did YOU Think?

Now that you've seen it, what did you think? Arriving in theaters everywhere (*cough*) is the virus thriller from Oscar winning Steven Soderbergh titled Contagion. Similar to the 1995 thriller Outbreak, the film features an ensemble cast and deals with the dilemma of a disease spreading across the entire world, including its origins and how it affects everyone, from CDC executives to regular citizens. The cast includes: Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne, Jennifer Ehle and Bryan Cranston. So if you've seen it, leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts on Contagion.

To spread more pathogens this time, my feelings on Contagion are mostly positive. It's a solid film, a unique concept that differs from any other virus thriller we've seen before in its realism and in its presentation of this virus as a worldwide threat. I've been a long-time lover of Soderbergh's filmmaking, but I feel as if it's often used in this film for a desired effect, mostly to make the audience uneasy at first, then to tell us the full global-spanning story of how one bat and one pig killed millions of people. I liked it but I didn't love it, it just didn't have the edge as something like Outbreak, and once I've seen the full story, it's a bit boring to go through all of it again. But it's well-made and the cast all-around is fantastic, it's worth seeing at least once.

So what did YOU think of Contagion? One of the best films of the year or quickly forgettable?We will remove any comments that indicate you have not seen the movie, as this area is meant to discuss the film only once you have seen it and can talk about your thoughts. Please keep the comments civilized!

Reader Feedback - 22 Comments

This! I think the realism really hurt the film because it made it so predictable. I was really hoping they would throw a wrench into the formula.

Anonymous on Sep 11, 2011

3

Does he really have to explain why the "to fuel the fire" is not here this time??

Leinergroove on Sep 9, 2011

4

Yea... when I use it, someone complains "Why are you always saying that?" When I don't, someone complains "Why aren't you saying that?" I can never win! I just try to mix it up every once in a while. 😉

I fucking loved it!!! People passed out left early I thought Steven's directing was back on top Im talking Traffic days, and Cliff Martinez score are u kidding me I loved it going to see it again but nothing beats seeing Drive at the Cannes Film festival this year!

Aliaskari08 on Sep 9, 2011

6

I liked it. It was a little slow and unnerving at times but that's what gave it a nice little kick. Show's you really what would happen if something like this would happen. Everybody in the Theater was jumpy the moment someone coughed or sneezed.

it was good. could have been a lot better but still, it was good. felt kinda disjointed and sloppy but the ideas were cool. wish the ending had more wow to it.

Vold on Sep 10, 2011

8

I liked it alot!! Here's my review... http://blackmannrobin.com/review/movie-review-contagion/
I think it fits best into the category of a study of Human Nature. That being said I actually enjoyed a second time especially b/c I was with others who hadn't seen it, and I love human behavior studies. I really enjoyed the two storylines moving in opposite direction - so great to end on Day 1!! Alex I check your site often, and enjoy it - will you be going out to the Napa Valley Film Festival in November? It would be great to see you out there!

Red box rental. Economy is tough and this film does not deserve your $18.

WBGoon on Sep 10, 2011

10

I hope Soderbergh quits the movies for good after this — for real this time.

Anonymous on Sep 10, 2011

11

Why? Did you even see the film? It is by no means a bad film, Soderbergh's a great director, he's just experimenting, doing whatever he wants, and shooting any way he wants, fine with me, I love seeing this kind of unique take.

The film was mostly good. It began to stray when you got to many perspectives to keep track of.

lordkevin89 on Sep 12, 2011

13

I agree. This is a Netflix. If it's not on Netflix oh well, guess I won't ever see it.

Ford on Sep 12, 2011

14

Sam Worthington should have been in this - as the contagion. He is a plague on cinema.

Stevebeer60 on Sep 12, 2011

15

Save your money. This movie sucked.

Drayment on Sep 12, 2011

16

Anti Chinese propaganda...At the end of the day it's always USA to the rescue, am I the only one that caught this????

Ta4eva78 on Sep 13, 2011

17

@ta4eva shut up dumbass of course were to the rescue, and its only
logical and realistic that it came from china, you dumb anti american
bastard

D13ballin on Sep 14, 2011

18

Ta4eva78 I also caught this, but I fear we are the only ones! Yet it seems so obvious ...

Mariajuana1969 on Sep 17, 2011

19

@ta4eva shut up dumbass of course were to the rescue, and its only logical and realistic that it came from china, you dumb anti american bastard

D13ballin on Sep 14, 2011

20

yeah i said it twice

D13ballin on Sep 14, 2011

21

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cheap bras on Jan 19, 2012

22

I agree. This is a Netflix. If it's not on Netflix oh well, guess I won't ever see it.